Insignificant Negative Correlation Research Articles

Correlation of Recombinant FSH Doses with Follicular and Serum Level Resolvin E1 in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women Undergoing ICSI

Background: Reproduction is a intricately structured process achieved by interaction of the higher centers in the brain, the gonads, and different body parts; Whereas infertility is a multifactorial pathological condition affecting approximately 10–15% of couples, especially in industrialized region.RESOLVIN E1 is a member of specialized pro resolving mediator family of bio active lipids. It has anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. A promising researches in their way to prove its positive role in reproduction through direct effect on folliculogenesis. It has a fundamental role in regulating follicular growth and maturation at central and peripheral levels highlighting its possible role in diagnosing and treating infertility problems. High level of RESOLVIN E1 which might play critical role in poly cystic ovarian syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: To investigate the correlation of serum and follicular RESOLVIN E1 to gonadotropin (recombinant FSH doses) in PCOS patient undergoing ICSI. Subject, Patients, Materials, and Method: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the high institute for infertility diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology /Al Nahrain University /Baghdad /Iraq, from November 2023 till March 2024. Twenty-nine infertile PCOS women who were undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were enrolled in the study. Serum and follicular RESOLVIN E1 at day of oocyte pickup were measured using ELISA technique. Results: The current study shows significantly lower gonadotropins stimulation dose needed for PCOS females (p <0.001). It also revealed no significant correlations between total gonadotropins dose with both serum and follicular fluids resolvin E1, while there were insignificant negative correlations between serum and follicular fluids resolvin E1 with patients’ ages and body mass indices among PCOS females. Conclusions: There is no correlation between the serum and follicular RvE1 levels in PCOS infertile females.

Analyzing Current Trends and forecasting Snow Cover Dynamics: A Multi-Data Approach utilizing Satellite Data, ERA5 and SSP Scenarios for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness

The Indus Himalayan region, characterized by its challenging mountainous terrain, presents obstacles for ground observations. This study aims to investigate variations in Snow Cover Area (SCA) and its relationship with other climatic variables. We utilized MODIS snow cover, temperature, ECMWF ERA-5 and SRTM elevation products to assess present trends (2002-2023) and CMIP6 SSP scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) to project future impacts (2024 to 2100) of climate change. Statistical analyses reveal decadal trends in SCA, with slight increases observed in winter, summer, autumn and annual periods (0.14% year−1, 0.33% year−1, 0.45% year−1 and 0.35% year−1 respectively). A significant positive trend is noted in spring (July-September) at 0.35% year−1. The study indicates an insignificant negative correlation (−0.81) between SCA and Land Surface Temperature (LST), suggesting potential climate change impacts on SCA depletion in the Northwest Himalayan (NWH) region. By projecting future climate scenarios including changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and annual frost days (Tmin < 0°C) until 2100, we observed a reduction in frost days and increasing temperatures due to climate change. Understanding evolving climate dynamics and snow cover trends is essential for developing effective strategies to address climate change impacts and to ensure community resilience in the Indus Himalayas.

Electroencephalographic changes in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in children who experience delayed language development. This work aimed to study electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in children with ADHD and establish a strategy for prompt identification and suitable management in the future.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 children aged between 5 and 12 years old, both sexes, diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-V Criteria, diagnosed as ADHD children with the Arabic version of Conner’s Parent Rating Scale. Psychometric evaluation by intelligence quotient (IQ) using Stanford Binet Intelligence test. The Receptive Expressive Arabic Language Scale was used to assess language profile.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between the severity of ADHD and IQ scores. There was an insignificant negative correlation between ADHD and scaled receptive language score and scaled expressive language score. There was an insignificant positive correlation between ADHD and scaled expressive language score. There was a significant difference between EEG changes and combined subtype of ADHD and scaled score of receptive language (P < 0.05). There was an insignificant difference between (EEG changes and language development), the scaled score of expressive, total language, and the scaled score of language.ConclusionsEEG has clinical utility in the diagnosis of ADHD. The results of EEG analysis in children with ADHD have been quite important, and this novel methodology could offer supplementary factors to strengthen its diagnostic impact.

Influence of large scale climate drivers on hydro-climate variability in Dwangwa River Basin, Malawi

Large-scale climate processes such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) have significant roles in modulating rainfall and hydrological systems. Understanding such processes can inform adaptation measures for climate change and variability, as well as water resource management and planning. This study investigated the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on rainfall and discharge variability in the Dwangwa River Basin (DRB) in Malawi, a key inflow to Lake Malawi. Specifically, the study analysed annual rainfall variability trends from 1985 to 2015 using the Coefficient of Variation (CV) and the annual Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI). The significance and direction of rainfall and discharge trends were quantified using the Mann–Kendall trend test at α = 0.05 significance level. To evaluate the association between rainfall and IOD, the Pearson product moment used three IOD phases: positive, negative, and neutral. Simple linear regression was utilised to check the response of the river during the concerned IOD phases. The study found CVs between 20 and 30%, typical of climates with moderate monthly rainfall variability. The PCI ranged from 20 to 30%, suggesting a strongly seasonal and highly variable temporal intra-annual rainfall distribution in the DRB. Moreover, the Mann–Kendall test statistics showed insignificant decrease in annual rainfall trends. Further, the findings demonstrated an insignificant negative correlation between rainfall and positive IOD, with rainfall increases associated with negative IOD, whereas positive IOD is associated with decreased river discharge. Consequently, El Niño and a positive IOD could cause DRB to have low water availability. Therefore, the study demonstrates that rainfall is experiencing a decreasing trend, which is driven by large-scale mechanics.

Urinary volatile organic compound metabolites and COPD among US adults: mixture, interaction and mediation analysis

BackgroundVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) encompass hundreds of high production volume chemicals and have been reported to be associated with adverse respiratory outcomes such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, research on the combined toxic effects of exposure to various VOCs on COPD is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of VOC metabolite mixture on COPD risk in a large population sample.MethodsWe assessed the effect of VOC metabolite mixture on COPD risk in 5997 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2020 (pre-pandemic) using multivariate logistic regression, Bayesian weighted quantile sum regression (BWQS), quantile-based g-Computation method (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). We explored whether these associations were mediated by white blood cell (WBC) count and total bilirubin.ResultsIn the logistic regression model, we observed a significantly increased risk of COPD associated with 9 VOC metabolites. Conversely, N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA) and N-acetyl-S-(n-propyl)-L-cysteine (BPMA) showed insignificant negative correlations with COPD risk. The overall mixture exposure demonstrated a significant positive relationship with COPD in both the BWQS model (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.58) and BKMR model, and with marginal significance in the Qgcomp model (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.52). All three models indicated a significant effect of the VOC metabolite mixture on COPD in non-current smokers. WBC count mediated 7.1% of the VOC mixture associated-COPD in non-current smokers.ConclusionsOur findings provide novel evidence suggesting that VOCs may have adverse associations with COPD in the general population, with N, N- Dimethylformamide and 1,3-Butadiene contributing most. These findings underscore the significance of understanding the potential health risks associated with VOC mixture and emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects on COPD risk.

Determinants of inflation and impact of selected Macro variable on Inflation in Nepal

This paper aimed to identify the impact of selected macro variable on inflation and examin­ing the relationship between inflation rate and selected macro variables. Generally, both fis­cal and monetary policies seek at achieving relative macroeconomic stability through stable prices or low and stable inflation. In the light of this, this study empirically investigates the impact of some macro variable on inflation in Nepal with the use of econometric tech­nique multiple regression, correlation and trend analysis using time series data from 2001 to 2018. The annual data is collected from Nepal Rastra Bank and web site of World Bank. The result revealed that money supply is positively correlated with inflation, but the result is however insignificant in the case of GDP growth rate and to determine the inflation rate in context of Nepal. The regression analysis indicates that 85.9% of inflation rate is deter­mined by exchange rate, money supply, GDP, per capita income and inflation rate of India, rest in 14.1% inflation rate is determined by other factors. The study found that there is positive correlation between exchange rate and inflation rate, money supply and inflation, per capita income and inflation rate and Indian inflation and inflation rate of Nepal. But study also revealed that insignificant negative correlation between GDP and inflation rate of Nepal. The exchange rate, money supply and Indian inflation are significant with infla­tion but GDP and per capita income are insignificant with inflation over the time period under study. There is only the monetary policy is not capable to control inflation, the fiscal measure are highly effective to controlling government expenditure, personal expenditure and private &amp; public investment. The study therefore recommends that the central bank of Nepal need to deal with monetary and fiscal policy in more transparent manner so as to address the issue of inflation in Nepal.

A comparative study between serum lactate level versus change in end tidal carbon dioxide level regarding assessment of hemodynamic instability in intensive care unit patients after cardiac surgeries

ABSTRACT Background After cardiac surgeries, elevated lactate level is used as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Still, there is a search for other helpful markers of hemodynamic instability. Exhaled carbon dioxide has been recently studied as marker of cardiac output and tissue perfusion and may be considered a reliable alternative which is more convenient and real time. Objectives The main aim is to correlate between end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and serum lactate level as indicators of hemodynamic instability in intensive care unit (ICU) patients after cardiac surgeries. The secondary objective is to correlate the measured parameters to the changes in the vital data and the resuscitation efforts. Methods A prospective cohort study that enrolled 51 adult patients admitted to ICU after cardiac surgeries. The serum lactate and ETCO2 values as well as vital data and vasopressor doses were recorded on admission to ICU, after 2 hours and after 6 hours. Results The study shows insignificant weak positive correlation between Lactate and ETCO2 levels at admission (r = 0.172, p value = 0.229), and insignificant negative weak correlation after 2 hours (r = -0.148, p value = 0.300) and after 6 hours (r = -0.235, p value = 0.096). Moreover, lactate level showed significant direct relation with the doses of vasopressors at admission, after 2 hours and after 6 hours postoperative (p value < 0.001 at all intervals). Whereas there was insignificant relation between ETCO2 and doses of vasopressors at all intervals (p value = 0.23, 0.4 and 0.18 respectively). Conclusion In post-cardiac surgery ICU patients we detected no statistically significant relation between serum lactate and ETCO2 as indicators of hemodynamic instability. The change in ETCO2 over a period of time has failed so far to be of a beneficial value as a non-invasive real-time cardiac output monitoring parameter. In addition, serum lactate had strong correlation with changes in vital signs and resuscitation efforts.

The effect of Renin Aldosterone Angiotensin II System on adrenal glands and glomerular filtration rate in renal failure patients

Renin Aldosterone Angiotensin-2 Systems: Among the most important hormone structures, it controls blood sugar levels, potassium and salt equilibrium, the amount of fluid, and the activities of the urinary tract, the adrenals, and the heart and arteries. The purpose of this investigation is to look at how Renin Aldosterone Angiotensin II affects the glands that produce adrenaline and how it relates to the rate of glomerular filtration in people with persistent kidney disease. The Ibn Sina Centre at Baquba University Hospital is home to 100 Iraqi patients with chronic kidney failure, ranging in age from 35 to 67. The formula was used to get a glomerular filtration rate (GFR). All individuals' blood levels of the hormones renin, testosterone, and angiotensin-2 are measured using a readily accessible ELISA Micro water sources kit from LDN, Germany. The findings demonstrate the relationship among variations in GFR and activity a hormone called ; in the cautious category, the average GFR was substantially inversely correlated with the average activity a hormone called (r=-0.40, p&lt;0.01). The findings demonstrated a relationship among ANGII, aldosterone, and cortisol variations in serum-activated renin, or The average blood activated a hormone called level and the average aldosterone level exhibited an important positive connection in the control group (r=0.33, p&lt;0.05). In contrast, the hemodialysis group (r=-0.12, p&gt;0.05) and the two categories (r=-0.02, p&gt;0.05) showed insignificant negative correlations. In the more cautious group, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.55, p&lt;0.01) between the mean blood angiotensin level and mean cortisone. In individuals with chronic renal failure, glomerular filtration rate has a detrimental impact on active renin, which in turn has an impact on the adrenal cortex function

Correlation of serum ferritin with parathyroid hormone level in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia

Introduction: Thalassemia is a rare hereditary condition that causes hemoglobin synthesis deficiency. Recurrent blood transfusion in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) individuals results in iron overload and deposition in body tissues, leading to endocrine malfunctions, including parathyroid. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the level of serum ferritin and parathyroid hormone level in TDT patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult TDT patients receiving blood transfusions at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia from January to June 2023. Serum ferritin was measured using an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA), while parathyroid hormone was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify the correlation between the level of serum ferritin with parathyroid hormone. Results: A total of 46 TDT patients were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 25 years old and represented predominantly by males (56.5%). The median levels of serum ferritin and parathyroid hormone were 5,672.90 ng/mL (min-max: 596.80–24,014.58 ng/mL) and 29.80 pg/mL (min-max: 10.61–97.01 pg/mL), respectively. The Spearman correlation analysis suggested a statistically insignificant negative correlation between serum ferritin and parathyroid hormone in TDT patients (r = -0.166; p=0.270). Conclusion: Serum ferritin was inversely, but not significantly, correlated with parathyroid hormone in TDT patients, suggesting that impaired parathyroid function might be associated with the increment of plasma iron.

Correlation between Nasolabial Angle and Maxillary Incisors Inclination in 18-25-Year-Old Chhattisgarh Population Using Pre- and Post-Treatment Lateral Cephalograms: A Retrospective Study.

One of the primary objectives of orthodontic treatment has been the enhancement of facial aesthetics. To obtain the perfect facial profile with aesthetic balance, knowledge of facial anatomy is essential. The diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic patients depend greatly on the examination of the soft tissue profile. Since the nasolabial angle is significantly affected by the inclination of the upper incisors, it is a frequently employed soft tissue parameter in orthodontic diagnosis. The study aimed to find out the correlation between the nasolabial angles with maxillary incisor inclination. In this retrospective study, 120 lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients including males and females were traced. Their nasolabial angle and maxillary incisor inclination were calculated before and after orthodontic treatment. The mean of pre- and post-treatment nasolabial angle was found to be 91.43° ± 14.008 and 97.93° ± 14.194, respectively. The mean of pre- and post-treatment incisor inclination was found to be 32.59° ± 7.290 and 23.98° ± 6.851, respectively. The gender-wise Pearson's correlation (r) of nasolabial angle with incisor inclination for male and female was found to be -0.464 with a P value of 0.164 and -0.305 with a P value of 0.118, respectively. Overall Pearson's correlation of nasolabial angle with incisor inclination was found to be -0.040 with a P value of 0.384. There is an insignificant negative correlation between nasolabial angle and incisor inclination in the Chhattisgarh population as well as among the two genders.

Variation of b-Value of Normal, Reverse and Strike-Slip Faulting Earthquakes with Focal Depth

A crucial factor in evaluating seismic activity, seismotectonics, and seismic hazard assessment is the distribution of earthquake sizes (b-value). The goal of this research is to explore the relation between depth and the b-constant values of normal, inverse, and strike-slip faulting earthquakes. The earthquake catalog used in this work was extracted from the Global Centroid Moment Tensor Catalog (GCMTC) and covers the period from 2008 to 2017. The focal depth of the selected tremors ranges from zero to 700 km. The magnitude of completeness for normal and reverse faulting events is 5.2 and 5.1 for strike-slip faulting events. The value of the b- constant was estimated using the maximum likelihood technique. The findings of regression analysis showed that there is an insignificant negative poor correlation relation between the b- value of the normal and strike-slip faulting events and depth, while that relation is an insignificant positive poor correlation for reverse faulting. The depth of the turning point for the b-constant value of normal and reverse faulting earthquakes is near the mantle seismic discontinuities 410 and 520 km. The depth of inflection points of b-constant value strike-slip faulting earthquakes is near to lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) at depth of 250km and the mantle seismic discontinuity of 520km.

Effect of fsh on lipid profile in postmenopausal women

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) define menopause as a permanent endpoint of the menstrual cycle for one year that occurs naturally or by induction of surgical procedure, chemotherapy or radiation .The etiology of menopause is classified into physiological and non-physiological. Pathophysiology of menopause includes the decline of ovary function in menopause, response to a loss of ovarian feedback mechanism, and the decline of the hypothalamus and pituitary function. Endocrine changes in menopause lead to alteration of gonadotropin secretion cycle patterns, changes in steroid and peptide hormones through monophasic patterns to increase gonadotropin, and decreased estrogen .Aim: This study aims to investigate the effect of FSH on lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Study design: A cross-section observational study. Method: The study is a cross-sectional study done on 90 women. These women aged more than 50 years had cessation of menstrual cycle for over a year. The blood samples were taken from 90 postmenopausal women, and interviews were conducted using a questionnaire. FSH measure, by ElectroChemiLuminescence (ECL) technology for immunoassay analysis done by Cobas e411 device. Lipid profile measure, by manual techniques done by use of spectrophotometer device. Result: We observed increase in Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during postmenopause has a positive significant correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r 0.350, p 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (r 0.397, p 0.001) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ( r 0.421, p 0.001) FSH also correlated positively but insignificant correlation with triglyceride (TG) (r 0.175, p 0.098) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) ( r 0.055, p 0.604). FHS has a negative significant correlation with Estradiol ( r -0.509, p 0.001) and Vit.D( r-0.220, p 0.037) as well as FSH correlated negative but insignificant with age ( r -0.142, p 0.183) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r -0.048, p 0.656). Conclusion: The current study showed a significant positive correlation of FSH with TC and LDL, an insignificant positive correlation with TG, and an insignificant negative correlation with HDL. Keywords: Postmenopause, FSH, Lituenizing Hormone, HDL

Cointegration of Asian Developed and Frontier Stock Markets: An investigation of Diversification Opportunities

This study examines the cointegration relationship of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with developed Asian markets (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore). The main objective of the study is to identify potential diversification benefits that exist in Sri Lankan stock market. The stock market indices are Hang Seng Index (HSI), Nikkei 225(N225), Straits Times Index (STI) and All Share Price Index (ASPI). Daily closing prices of stock market indices were selected for the period of 2013- 2019. The main theoretical base forthe stock market integration was the Law of One Price. The Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test used toanalyze data, revealed an insignificant cointegration relationship between CSE and developed stock markets. The ASPI has statistically significant short-run relationships with the STI. HSI and N225 did not provide any evidence of a long-run relationship with the ASPI. A negative insignificant correlation between ASPI and HSI indicates a good combination to have a well-balancedportfolio gain both long and short-run diversification benefits. In conclusion, the non-existence of cointegration among the above stock markets provides opportunities for international diversification of portfolios and possibilities for risk hedging.&#x0D; Keywords: Cointegration, Frontier and Developed, Stock Markets, Portfolio Diversification

Spatiotemporal Variation in and Responses of the NDVI to Climate in Western Ordos and Eastern Alxa

Vegetation is an important component of the terrestrial ecosystem, and studying the rules of vegetation change and its driving factors is helpful to strengthen the ecological protection and sustainable development of regional vegetation. This study analyzes the changes in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its response to climate factors in the five regions of western Ordos and eastern Alxa in China between 2000 and 2020. The MODIS NDVI and meteorological data from 2000 to 2020 was used and the ordinary least squares, trend analysis, and correlation analysis methods were analyzed. The NDVI in this region shows spatial differentiation and is high in the east and low in the west. The overall NDVI has shown a significant increasing trend (p &lt; 0.01), and the slope value of the rate of change also shows that the NDVI in 98.17% of the area is increasing. On a temporal scale, NDVI had a significant positive correlation with precipitation (p &lt; 0.01), but no significant correlation with temperature changes. On a spatial scale, NDVI was positively correlated with precipitation, which accounted for 95.57% of spatial changes, of which a significant positive correlation accounted for 34.99% (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the temperature and NDVI were negatively correlated but not significantly. A positive correlation accounted for 45.95% of the change, but the insignificant negative correlation accounted for 54.05%. Therefore, comprehensive analysis showed that precipitation played a leading role in the NDVI in the study area. The results are helpful to study the driving mechanism of vegetation growth and provide reference for vegetation protection in regions of western Ordos and eastern Alxa of Inner Mongolia, China.

Hydro-climatic consequences on zooplankton diversity and abundance in perennial Vavuniya reservoir and seasonal Thandikulam reservoir in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka

BackgroundZooplankton exhibit strong responses for minute changes in their habitat. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the impacts of hydro-climatic factors and related water quality variables on zooplankton abundance and diversity in the perennial Vavuniya reservoir (VR) and seasonal Thandikulam reservoir (TR), Vavuniya, Sri Lanka.ResultsZooplankton diversity and abundance showed some peculiarities between seasonal and perennial reservoirs under varying hydro-climatic factors and water quality parameters during wet and dry seasons (July 2018–February 2019). There were 14 Rotifera, 4 Cladocera and 5 Copepod species in VR, and in TR, 12 Rotifera, 2 Cladocera and 5 Copepod species were identified. Although these reservoirs are located at proximity (2.48 km), the responses via zooplankton community structure toward environmental factors have been shown uniqueness to some extent. Significant negative correlation was observed for increasing {text{NO}}_{{3}}^{ - } (p = 0.044) and {text{PO}}_{{4}}^{{{3} - }} (p = 0.010) concentrations with zooplankton diversity in perennial VR; however, only {text{PO}}_{{4}}^{{{3} - }} concentration showed a significantly (p = 0.042) negative correlation in seasonal TR. Interestingly, total zooplankton abundance showed significant negative correlations with {text{NO}}_{{3}}^{ - } (p = 0.013) and {text{PO}}_{{4}}^{3 - } (p = 0.038) in perennial VR; however, insignificant negative correlation was observed in seasonal TR. Copepods make up the majority of total zooplankton abundance in both reservoirs and were significantly affected by increased atmospheric temperature. Cladocera abundance in VR was highly sensitive (p = 0.032; r = − 0.856) to changes in water level. Increasing water level significantly favors the total zooplankton abundance in the seasonal reservoir but not in perennial.ConclusionsSensitivity of zooplankton community structure varies between seasonal and perennial reservoirs in different magnitudes. This is due to the increasing temperatures, increasing phosphate levels and decreasing water levels with the combination of other factors resulting in specific responses of zooplankton diversity and abundance. Therefore, it would not be surprised to use zooplankton community structure to sense the vibrant responses of different freshwater habitats.

Characteristics of NDVI Changes in the Altay Region from 1981 to 2018 and Their Relationship to Climatic Factors

Vegetation growth and its response to climatic factors have become one of the most pressing issues in ecological research. However, no consensus has yet been reached on how to resolve this problem in arid areas with a high-elevation gradient and complex underlying surface. Here, NOAA CDR AVHRR NDVI V5 for 1981–2018 and China’s regional surface meteorological faction-driven datasets were used. General linear regression, the Mann-Kendall test and sliding t-test, Pearson correlations, and the Akaike information criterion (AIC), on a grid-scale, were applied to analyze the annual normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and its relationship with temperature and precipitation in the Altay region. Results revealed that the temporal trend of NDVI for most grid cells was non-significant. However, mountains, coniferous forests, grasslands, and meadows in the high-elevation zone displayed a slow increasing trend in NDVI. Further, NDVI was positively correlated with the mean annual temperature and total annual precipitation, the latter playing a more significant role. Yet, for desert and shrub vegetation and coniferous forest, their NDVI had insignificant negative correlations with the mean annual temperature. Hence, both the trends and drivers of NDVI of high elevation are highly complex. This study’s findings provide a reference for research on vegetation responses to climate change in arid areas having a high-elevation gradients and complex underlying surfaces.

Circadian Rhythm Types in Individuals with Diabetic Macular Edema

Background and Hypothesis:Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Diabeticmacular edema (DME) can be associated with any stage of DR, causing thickening and swelling of the macula, leading to vision impairment. Circadian rhythm, the body’s natural clock thatgoverns physiological processes and dictates our sleep-wake cycle, is known to be affected by DR and DME. This study hypothesizes that DME will be associated with a more extreme circadian rhythm type.&#x0D; Methods:Individuals 18 years or older with a diagnosis of type I or type II diabetes complicated by DMEwere given a 19-item Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) to determine their circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. Information regarding demographics, metabolic parameters, diabetes, visual acuity and DME severity was collected.&#x0D; Results:In this ongoing study, we compiled data from 54 individuals out of a targeted enrollment of 160. Overall, the MEQ scores characterized more individuals as morning types, followed by intermediate and evening types. The preliminary analysis shows a weak, insignificant positive correlation with retinal thickness in the right eye and a weak, insignificant negative in the left eye. In addition, a weak, insignificant negative correlation was also observed between MEQ and right eye visual acuity, with the opposite trend occurring in the left eye. DME variables such as mean central foveal thickness decreased insignificantly in right eyes from morning to evening groups but increased in the left eye.&#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact: Our study suggests DME individuals are mostly morning type instead of evening type. However, there is no strong relationship between MEQ scores and DME parameters. As we recruit more individuals in the future, we hope to establish a more significant relationship that could improve our understanding of how circadian rhythms and DME are interconnected and could lead to new treatments.

Minerals and Glucose Among Patients With Vitamin (D) Deficiency

According to previous studies, vitamin D deficiency might increase the risk of mineral deficiency, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of calcium, phosphorus, calcium to phosphorus ratio, magnesium, and fasting blood glucose in blood serum of patients with vitamin D deficiency. This case-control study comprised 71 patients, 30 subjects sufficient in vitamin D classified as control group (Mean value of vitamin D was 30.67. ± 5.94 ng/dl), and 41 patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency, and insufficiency chosen as the case group (Mean value of vitamin D was 9.79 ± 3.12 ng/dl) .There was lower significant difference in the level of calcium (Ca), calcium–to-phosphorus ratio (Ca/P), and magnesium (Mg) in cases compared to control, but there was higher significant difference in the level of phosphorus (P), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in cases compared to controls. Serum vitamin D levels showed significantly positive correlations with Ca, and Ca/P ratio, and negative correlation with P. However, vitamin D demonstrated insignificant positive correlation with Mg, and insignificant negative correlation with FBG. The study concluded that, vitamin D deficiency associated with diabetes risk, in addition to mineral deficiency, which associated with various disorders, such as skeletal deformities, osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome.

Coalbed Methane Enrichment Characteristics and Exploration Target Selection in the Zhuozishan Coalfield of the Western Ordos Basin, China.

The Zhuozishan coalfield at the western margin of the Ordos Basin is one of the main coal-mining areas in China, and recent explorations have revealed the great potential for coalbed methane (CBM) resources in its Carboniferous and Permian strata. In this paper, the controlling factors of CBM enrichment of the major coals are studied in this coalfield and the CBM resources are estimated based on the analysis of the coal petrology and compilation of literature data on the gas content. The result of the coal petrology analysis of 10 samples shows that the vitrinite content of No. 16 coal (71.9-77.3%) is higher than that of No. 9 coal (59.1-65.1%), and the inertinite content of No. 16 coal (18.9-23.5%) is lower than that of No. 9 coal (30.1-34.9%). The R o,max value of No. 16 coal (1.18-1.35%) is higher than that of No. 9 coal (1.04-1.13%), and both coals are of medium rank. Due to greater thickness, deeper burial depth, and better coal petrology characteristics, the No. 16 coal seam of the Taiyuan Formation is selected as the major coal seam for CBM resource estimation, which has a thickness of 1-6 m and a present-day burial depth of 200-1100 m. The gas content of this coal seam varies mostly between 4 and 10 m3/t. Positive correlation between the coal seam thickness as well as present-day burial depth and the gas content suggests that the thick and deeply buried coal seams are favorable for CBM preservation. The ash yield shows an insignificant negative correlation with the gas content, indicating that ash yield is not an important factor for CBM enrichment. The syncline hinges located below the thrust zones show higher gas content due to greater burial depths. In contrast, the anticline hinges at shallower depths tend to have lower gas contents. Based on the combined information about sedimentary environments, structural patterns, and hydrogeology, two CBM accumulation models are put forward in the study area that include syncline-hydraulic plugging below thrust nappe and fault-confined aquifer plugging. The volumetric method is used to estimate the CBM resources, and results indicate that the CBM resource in the whole coalfield is 428.78 × 108 m3, and the total resource abundance is 0.74 × 108 m3/km2. Two favorable areas for the CBM exploration are optimized based on the resource amount and resource abundance. One of the favorable areas is the Kabuqi area in the northern part of the coalfield, and another is the Baiyunwusu area in the central part of the coalfield. These two areas will be the CBM priority exploration areas at the western margin of the Ordos Basin.

Comparison of serum c-type natriuretic peptide levels in different genders: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE&#x0D; Firstly we aimed to compare serum C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) levels in healthy male and female participants of similar age group and secondly to reveal the relationship between serum CNP values and ovarian function markers in women and sperm parameters in men.&#x0D; MATERIAL and METHODS&#x0D; In this prospective study, a total of 40 patients, who were admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Near East University Hospital were included. Of these, 20 were female and 20 were male participants. Serum CNP levels of the patients were analyzed for all participants. Day 3 serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) for female participants and semen samples after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence for male participants were evaluated.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; Serum CNP levels were similar in both genders. There was only a moderate, but statistically insignificant negative correlation between serum CNP and FSH in female group. In the correlation analysis performed in the male group, no significant correlation was observed between serum CNP level and any semen analysis parameter.&#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; We showed that serum CNP levels were similar between healthy women and men. There was no relationship between levels of serum CNP and reproductive hormones in the early follicular phase of menstruation in women, and semen parameters in men.